Claim
The author claims that we are not united. True or false?
False.
What evidence does the author use to suggest that the nation can be symbolized as a quilt?
". . .it was built of bits and pieces that seem discordant. . ." (3).
What is the definition of discordant?
Conflicting or not harmonious.
Who is the author of A Quilt of a Country?
Anna Quindlen.
What does the author claim as a contrast to the notion that all men are created equal in her work?
"Most men consider themselves better than someone" (3).
What is the anecdotal evidence the uses to support the culture of division in the U.S.?
Her upbringing as the product of an Italian/Irish marriage.
An alien landing on Pacifica's campus is an example of a conundrum: true or false?
True.
In the aftermath of 9/11, the author says terrorism has led to devastation and ______?
Unity.
What did the author say the theme of many of the "oft-told stories" of the U.S. were?
Bigotry.
How does Mario Cuomo's characterization of the nation "community added to individualism" conflict with the rest of the evidence in the paragraph?
The rest of the paragraph talks about cultural/racial division in communities.
Use interwoven correctly in a sentence that you create.
Up to the teachers!
How does the author justify using a quilt as a synonym for the country?
"That's because it was built of bits and pieces that seem discordant. . .out of many, one." (Quindlen).
The author claims that tolerance is a "vanilla word." Why does she claim this and why does there need to be a stronger word to account for coexistence in the U.S.?
It is an overused word that has lost its impact and ability to enact real change. There needs to be more work involved to dismantle actions taken against those that have been impacted by oppressive forces.
What historical event does the author use to support the claim that much of the United States found unity in having a common enemy?
The Cold War.
A body builder's muscles would be very tenuous.
False.
What does the author mean by the "splintered whole?"
People are still united together by inhabiting the same country, but are separated due to hatred and perceived differences.
Propose a counterargument to this claim: "Once these disparate parts were held together by a common enemy."
Teachers decide!
This exact quote was used as evidence in the text: "the US is a unique country that stands for something special in this world,"
False, incorrect quote integration model.
The author says that this nation is founded on a __________. What does the word that is supposed to filled in the blank mean?
Conundrum.
A riddle or a puzzle.
What is the significance of the author's term "mongrel nation?" In what parts of the texts is this term brought up and why is it significant?
The mongrel nation is significant in the piece because it talks about the way the country is made up and unified by people with many differences. It is brought up in the beginning and end of the article because it relates the idea that, while we are different, we are still united as one.